NBA – Related Press Releases

ESPN today announced that Earvin “Magic” Johnson, the two-time Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer and sports icon, will return to the company and re-join NBA Countdown as a studio analyst this season, first appearing as part of ABC’s Christmas NBA coverage. From there, Johnson will join NBA Countdown pre-game coverage for the NBA Saturday Primetime on ABC series – the NBA’s marquee game of the week, starting Jan. 21, 2017.

ESPN will take its NBA studio shows – NBA Countdown and The Jump – as well as SportsCenter to the ‘Windy City’ on Friday, Dec. 2, for on-site coverage leading up to – and through – the Chicago Bulls and Dwyane Wade vs. Cleveland Cavaliers and LeBron James showdown at 8 p.m. ET, which airs on ESPN.

The NFL Chemistry Issue explores the various personalities and elements that either bring teams together – or tear them apart. Highlights include a cover story on Oakland Raiders’ Derek Carr as well as features on Seattle Seahawks’ Kam Chancellor, Buffalo Bills’ Richie Incognito and more.

ESPN’s blockbuster opening week of the NBA season is highlighted by two prime-time doubleheaders (Wednesday, Friday) and superstars LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden in action.

A special prime-time edition of First Take will air on ESPN tomorrow (Tuesday), Oct.18, at 9:30 p.m. ET, leading into the LA Clippers vs. Sacramento Kings preseason NBA game. First Take: NBA Preview Show, a 30-minute program, will feature the same debate format as the daily First Take show, with topics relating to the NBA season. Seven-time NBA All-Star Tracy McGrady will be one of the guests on the show.